Molecular mechanisms of cell polarity in a range of model systems and in migrating neurons

Cell polarity is defined as the asymmetric distribution of cellular components along an axis. Most cells, from the simplest single-cell organisms to highly specialized mammalian cells, are polarized and use similar mechanisms to generate and maintain polarity. Cell polarity is important for cells to...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Molecular and cellular neuroscience 2020-07, Vol.106, p.103503-103503, Article 103503
Main Author: Jossin, Yves
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Actin cytoskeleton
Animals
Brain - cytology
Brain - metabolism
Cell migration
Cell Movement - physiology
Cell polarity
Cell Polarity - physiology
Development of the cerebral cortex
Humans
Microtubule cytoskeleton
Neurogenesis - physiology
Neuronal migration
Neurons - cytology
Neurons - metabolism
PI3K signaling
Polarity complexes
Radial migration
Rho family GTPases
Signal Transduction - physiology
Tangential migration
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Summary:Cell polarity is defined as the asymmetric distribution of cellular components along an axis. Most cells, from the simplest single-cell organisms to highly specialized mammalian cells, are polarized and use similar mechanisms to generate and maintain polarity. Cell polarity is important for cells to migrate, form tissues, and coordinate activities. During development of the mammalian cerebral cortex, cell polarity is essential for neurogenesis and for the migration of newborn but as-yet undifferentiated neurons. These oriented migrations include both the radial migration of excitatory projection neurons and the tangential migration of inhibitory interneurons. In this review, I will first describe the development of the cerebral cortex, as revealed at the cellular level. I will then define the core molecular mechanisms – the Par/Crb/Scrib polarity complexes, small GTPases, the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons, and phosphoinositides/PI3K signaling – that are required for asymmetric cell division, apico-basal and front-rear polarity in model systems, including C elegans zygote, Drosophila embryos and cultured mammalian cells. As I go through each core mechanism I will explain what is known about its importance in radial and tangential migration in the developing mammalian cerebral cortex. •Cell polarity is defined as the asymmetric distribution of cellular components along an axis.•Common mechanisms are employed during different aspect of cell polarization in very diverse organisms.•The tridimensional organization of the neocortex relies on a correct oriented neuronal migration.•Cell polarity mechanisms are essential for the migration and positioning of newborn but as-yet undifferentiated neurons.
ISSN:1044-7431
1095-9327
DOI:10.1016/j.mcn.2020.103503